What Makes A Good Captain

[Anonymous]

I don't know about Matruity, I mean, as long as they're responsible and Trustworthy, I think it would be ok. But even if Maturity was a big thing for me, Trustworthy would always take presidence.

[Anonymous]

I really couldn't decide out of that poll group.  For me a collection of all those properties makes a good captain.

The most important one in my opinion out of that list would be maturity.

[Anonymous]

A captain needs to be a drunken misguided fool as well as having poor judgement and bad ideas, he also needs to insult the crew members regularly and put them down when the try to help.

And yes, I am joking.  I mean exactly the opposite of all the traits I just mentioned (apart from maybe drunken(at times)).  All of the questions create a strong character but usually come in groups like has been mentioned before.  Decisiveness, quick-thinking and problem-solving all should come together. As should honesty and trustworthiness.
Maturity is part of your main character, be it if you are totally level-headed and mature or slightly crazy.  Doesn't make you a bad captain if you are either.  Activeness is quite important, if he is never around then what are you supposed to do.  There is no such thing as being too active.

[Anonymous]

Truthfully a captain isn't just one trait he's all traits and in my opinion you have to have Honesty and Trustworthyness with your captain. Without these two key elements how are you to trust your leader if you don't have faith in his descions. Look at Morpheous' crew, they trusted him with their lives and had utmost faith in him because they trusted and respected his descions even when it was against their better judgement.
Still, a captain also has to be able to listen to his crew as well, the problem with that at times is even though you're the leader you also have to play Devil's advocate at times. Honestly. a captain not only has the traits mentioned they also have many other traits to go along with the previous list and never forget that being a leader of any kind carries a certain kind of burden with it so it's not all fun and games being the man in the big chair.
If you're going to be captain, just make sure you can handle the things that will be expected of you and that you can earn the trust of your crew before it's too late. A captain not only leads by example he listens to those around him as well.

[Anonymous]

I voted for trustworthiness.
It's important that you trust the person leading you and your teammates. If there is no trust, the leader will put less effort into making the right decisions, solving occasional problems, being totally honest with each other. Thus the relationship between leader and crew will be almost non existent

[Anonymous]

A captain must have the traits of any leader.  Judgement, Justice, Decisiveness, Initiative, Dependability, Tact, Integrity, Endurance, Bearing, Unselfishness, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalry, and Enthusiam. Or; JJ DID TIE BUCKLE.  A leader cannot put focus on one attribute and be a good leader, it's as simple as that.

[Anonymous]

But what about when it comes down to a scenario where all the members  want to do one thing, and the captain wants to do another? SHould the captain bend his ear and do it their way, or should he think I'm Captain and just listen to what I say.

Hmmm Idk I'm sorta conflictred. I beleive the Captains hould listen to his crew, but I don't think that he should be as weak as water that he just submits to their wishes = because then what's he good for? But I don't think he should go around ordering people just because he can though.

[Anonymous]

That's what they call an "executive decision".

The captain is ultimately responsible for his team and what happens to it.  If a captain and his crew can't agree on something, the captain has to take the right decision, whatever that is.

When you think about it, there is a hierarchy for a reason and the captain should be in charge.  That doesn't mean it has to be a dictatorship, it just means that it doesn't have to be a democracy.

Just my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Good thought.

[Anonymous]

How about the Captain does what he's see's best, he was appointed to that position because he has shown a good deal of leadership.  His decisions have been noted better than other peoples so therefore the crew should trust in his decision no matter what.

[Anonymous]

I agree that out of the list I would say problem solving is at the top, because if we get ourselves in a hairy situation, someone has gotta step up and get us out of it, and some of us little guys just may not have any clue what to do, that's where the captain comes in.  As far as in general, I think everything on that list would make up the ideal captain

[Anonymous]

When I first clicked on this post I knew I'd have a problem with this topic.

All of the traits listed on the top are very important to being a captain, however, the ONLY thing one needs to be a captain is not on that list. Having the abilty to lead is far more important. This is a skill that Tbone, Crimson, and Oronos show us everyday. Some captains are still learning this skill, and thats not a bad thing.

However, I am left to wonder why you would post something like this Ecliipse.... But I'll leave that thought alone for awhile.

At the end of the day, the next captain will be pick by our Board of Captains and Staff. Let them do their job.

Hugs and Kisses
Cosmic

[Anonymous]

Decisiveness is as important as anything else.

When decisiveness is coupled with problem-solving ability, a person is a natural leader.

For instance, if the captain is torn about a decision, and this decision must be taken now, there is no way a captain must be left to sit on the fence, because a plan of action must be committed to, even if its the wrong one, to get the best results (this is also why problem-solving is necessary, to get the right choice).  If however the decision does not need to be taken imminently, the captain may as well wait to see which way things will be best, and commit solely to that plan.

If a leader can do this, then he/she will receive the respect of his/her crew, and the crew will trust the leader on his/her decisions.

[Anonymous]

well as you all know, we are actually going to need a new captain to replace DOZ. which is most likley why this thread was made  ..and picking a captain is actually alot more difficult for the staff then one might think. also Tbone is having connectivity problems, which isnt helping.

but this thread may actually be useful. to help the staff make a choice for a new captain, i would like for those who are intrested in becoming one, to PM me and let me know what they feel makes a good captain and why they think they would be best for the job. understand there will be no such thing as "over doing it", write what you truly feel, for it will aid us in our decision.

i will go over every pm with Tbone and a few of the captains.

and as for my opinion, a good captain is someone the crew clicks with and understands, not just verbally but also mentally. because understanding each others thoughts and decisions are the base of any good crew.

[Ketamininja]

I've gone for decisiveness, although I think a good captain should contain a little of all those qualities.

To me, as long as the captain can keep his decision, he should be solid.
Of course, we don't always make the right decisions...